Elderly Strafford Woman Perishes in Route 4 Crash: NHSP

NORTHWOOD, NH — A New Hampshire woman passed away this afternoon after her sedan crossed over a double yellow line on Route 4 in Northwood and crashed into another vehicle, according to state police. Merilyn Walker, 81, was reportedly driving a 2005 Toyota Avalon at just before 2 p.m. on May 1, 2017, when she reportedly veered into the opposite lane, near Denmark Drive, and crashed into a 2005 Dodge Caravan, being driving by a Hillsborough man in his mid-40s. A passenger in the mini-van – a 25-year-old Epsom man – along with the driver suffered life threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital.

Sgt. Steven Wheeler of the NHSP said it was currently unknown why Walker drove into the opposite lane. She was pronounced deceased at the scene, he noted. Route 4 re-opened to traffic at just after 5 p.m., according to posts on Twitter.

The crash investigation is being handled by the State Police Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Unit (C.A.R. Unit), with assistance from the Northwood Police Department. Assisting at the police and troopers at the scene were fire and rescue teams from Northwood, Epsom, and Pittsfield, as well as the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department.

Anyone that may have further information related to this collision is encouraged to please contact Trooper First Class Greg Dube at 603-223-4381 or by email at greg.dube@dos.nh.gov.

Image via Shutterstock.